Loaded Baked Potato Pasta (Print Version)

Cheesy pasta and potato casserole topped with smoky bacon and fresh scallions for pure comfort.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells
02 - Salt, for boiling pasta

→ Sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Add-ins & Toppings

13 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (turkey or vegetarian bacon may be substituted)
14 - 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
15 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
16 - 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and reserve.
03 - Add diced potatoes to a saucepan and cover with water. Boil for 8 to 10 minutes until just tender, then drain thoroughly.
04 - In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
05 - Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained potatoes, half of the bacon, half of the scallions, and the prepared cheese sauce. Mix gently until evenly coated.
07 - Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
09 - Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with remaining scallions and chopped chives just before serving.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For a vegetarian adaptation, omit bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon.
02 - Steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms may be added for extra vegetables.
03 - A crisp green salad complements the dish nicely.
04 - Pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

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